Condition

Retinal Tear

Also known as Retinal Break, Horseshoe Tear, Retina Tear, Flashes and Floaters, Peripheral Retinal Tear

Updated May 16, 2026For educational purposes only. Not a substitute for medical advice. See our terms.

Bottom Line

A retinal tear is a rip in the light-sensing layer at the back of the eye. New flashes, many new floaters, or a curtain in vision need same-day retina care.

A retinal tear happens when the vitreous gel pulls hard enough to rip the retina. The tear often starts in the far side retina, where it may not hurt or affect central vision at first 1.

Fluid can pass through the tear and lift the retina. That is a retinal detachment, which can cause permanent vision loss without prompt repair 2.

Laser retinopexy or freezing treatment can seal many tears before detachment starts. These treatments make a scar around the tear to lower the chance of fluid spreading 3.

Symptoms and Warning Signs

A retinal tear usually does not hurt. Warning signs include:

  • Flashes of light. These often happen in side vision.
  • Many new floaters. They may look like dots, smoke, or cobwebs.
  • A dark curtain or shadow. This can mean detachment has started.
  • Blurred or missing vision. This is more urgent if it is sudden.
Same-day warning: New flashes, many new floaters, a curtain, or sudden vision loss needs urgent retina care. Do not wait for symptoms to clear on their own.

Treatment

Most retinal tears are treated before they turn into a detachment.

  • Laser retinopexy. A laser makes small burns around the tear. These heal into a seal.
  • Cryopexy. A freezing probe makes a scar around the tear from outside the eye.
  • Observation. Some tiny low-risk holes are watched, but only after a retina exam.

Studies compare laser and freezing treatment for retinal breaks. Both are used to lower detachment risk when a tear is risky 4.

Risk Factors

Retinal tears are more likely with:

  • New posterior vitreous detachment, when the eye gel separates from the retina.
  • High myopia, which means strong nearsightedness.
  • Prior retinal tear or detachment.
  • Cataract surgery or other eye surgery.
  • Eye trauma.
  • Family history of retinal detachment.

Eyes with a previous treated retinal tear still need monitoring after cataract surgery 5.

Common Questions About Retinal Tears

It can be. New flashes, many new floaters, a curtain, or sudden vision loss needs same-day retina care.

Next Steps

  1. 1Seek urgent eye care today for new flashes, many new floaters, a curtain, or sudden vision loss.
  2. 2Ask for a dilated retina exam if you are very nearsighted or had a prior retinal tear.
  3. 3Keep all follow-up visits after laser or freezing treatment.
  4. 4Avoid heavy activity after treatment until the retina specialist clears you.
  5. 5Go to the emergency room if sudden vision loss occurs and no retina office is reachable.

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